Townsville will host the 2023 Junior State Age (JSA) netball championships thanks to a $30,000 Council grant that was passed at today's Ordinary Council meeting.
With the support of Council's grant, Netball Queensland will bring this showpiece event to Townsville for the first time from June 24-27, with the state's best players aged 12-14 years to battle it out at Townsville Netball Association at Murray Sports Precinct.
Business and Services Finance Committee Chairperson Margie Ryder said the initiative was a coup for the city with over 5940 participants, attendees, and volunteers and 5800 coming from outside the Local Government Area.
"Netball Queensland has demonstrated the intent to engage closely with community volunteers, local vendors and work closely with Townsville Netball Association to put on this great event," Cr Ryder said.
"They also have extensive experience in delivering similar state level events across Queensland over several years.
"On top of providing the city's best young netballers with the chance to play in front of family and friends at the top level, the JSA championships will drive increased visitation and expenditure in the Townsville region."
The festival-type setup for this event includes initiatives like a tent city and a chill-out zone, where players and patrons can enjoy entertainment, food and drink as well as engaging with the event and Netball Queensland partner activations.
"Netball Queensland will use their grant to put on a great event while also supporting local businesses Norquip Group and Ede's Events," Cr Ryder said.
"The sheer number of people this four-day festival will bring to the city, will undoubtedly generate enormous economic benefit city-wide.
"This is another example of Council providing opportunities and engagements for Townsville youth."
